Whoops, accidentally posted this to the review thread.. Anyway...

It's hard to believe. After 6 months of battling it out on the online forums with both the "bashers" and the "cheerleaders", feeling my blood pressure rise while watching movie after movie in their lame pro-logic glory - I filled out a form yesterday, and the 950 was waiting for me at my office this morning. Just like that?
I feel cheated because there wasn't any kind of Halo around the box, voices from the sky as I opened it, or anything even vaguely similar to the opening scene of "The 5th Element" happening.

Just another black audio box to add to the collection? We'll see.

The (not so) funny thing is, for the first time in the 10 years I've owned them, my main speakers are in the shop waiting for parts (I can't wait to find out what two new B&W 804 Matrix tweeters will cost). DOH!

But no obstacle is too great with a new 950 in the rack. My surrounds will become my surrogate mains as I rip through my CD collection tonight.

You were expecting a review? After the long 950 saga, I felt just the existential experience of actually receiving it justified its own review. More to follow after I get my mains back.

Number 35 is sitting on my doorstep... FINALLY!

'K, guys. Took about 15 minutes to get this baby into my system (helps if you're coming from basically zero). Learning curve's gonna be steep - I'm upgrading from a Pioneer DPL receiver. Set the trim levels, set the speaker distances, popped in Diana Krall Live In Paris... OH MY GOD!!!!!!

Obviously, my reference point is WAY ancient, but this sucker is everything I hoped for and more. Checked for the noise floor problem - like most others, if I press my ear against the speaker cloth, I can hear a hiss. Move about an inch away, total silence. I don't think I have to worry about taking advantage of the free trial period. This thing's staying.

If I notice anything worth commenting on as I add sources and experiment, I'll post. But first impressions mean a lot, and this thing's all I could have asked for...

Any new e-mails this week? Have we made it to January yet?


brianca..

My 950 arrived today!!!!

Reserved 12/18/01

Remember what the April newsletter said:

"We're doing everything we work through the reservations list as quickly as possible, but please keep in mind that the list is quite long and it may still be another 30 to 60 days before everyone gets their unit. For those who are asking where we are in terms of the actual list, one indicator for you is that the confirmation letter with ordering instructions has gone out to about 15% of the number of names on the total list, and that at this point we are still working on reservations taken in December. However, as more units arrive from the factory and we automate and adapt additional aspects of the order process, the number of daily shipments should increase dramatically."

Which means everyone on the list should have their unit by the first week of June.

------------------
No matter where you go, there you are.

mj

Okay I really hope I have something waiting for me at home today or at least a note saying they missed me. Quite a few people have received theirs already that are 2-4 days behind me on the list GRRRRRRR

I was 1236, and recieved notice today that my unit shipped on 5/7. Hopefully I will have it this weekend!
Now I just need new speakers. My NHT VT2's were just too big and boomy for the small apt I am now living in, and the Axiom M22ti's have seriously under-whelmed me. They just cannot handle the volume and bass I like, lots of buzzing on acoustic bass.

It arrived today. Finally! Reserved on 12/16/01. Back to work (on installing the 950 that is)!
PS-- I like the looks of the unit-- clean, business-like. No "Tokyo after dark" look here!

[This message has been edited by steves (edited May 08, 2002).]

Anyone know if the Outlaws are still planning on sending out e-mail to everyone on the list to let them know when to expect theirs?

brianca